John 15:1-8
1 ”I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.
5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
Stay connected and bear good fruit
We have already seen Jesus teaching by using a direct talk, parables and allegories. Today's Gospel teaching about the vineyard is a combination of an allegory and a metaphor. (See last week’s reflection for a description of the difference.). It identifies with the reality of the vineyard and the branches.
The vine is one of the seven species the Lord blessed the Holy Land with in Deuteronomy 8:8, “a land of barley, wheat, vines, figs, pomegranates, olives and honey.”
Due to its color and manner of growing, the vine represents rooting in the earth, attachment with continuing care, and hope to produce delicious fruits….”wine that gladdens the heart of man" Psalm 104:15.
The vine is one of the trees that needs to be pruned to get rid of the dry branches and generate new ones. Jesus tells us, “I am the vine, and you are the branches." What does this mean for us today?
I am one of these branches attached to the vine. This vine is Jesus, whose Father is the vine grower. When I remain connected to the vine, I am similar to the branches that receive their vital sap from the mother vine.
When I recognize my dry branches, which are my sins in thought, word, deed and negligence, the caring vine grower will prune me with His loving care to restart producing delicious fruits.
I am not called just to remain connected, but much better to produce good fruits that rejoice the hearts of those around me.
Today's Gospel affirms Jesus' promise to us, and it awaits our promise to Him.
May we remain the connected branches to the vine, not in a passive way, but with an active energy, producing fruit that may gladden the hearts of our community, and rejoice the heart of the Father.
Let us pray for our Church families to stay connected and bear delicious fruits.